By Jean Pierre Afadhali
Bboxx, the British data-driven platform that connects consumers and deploys innovative products including energy solutions across Africa, has announced on Tuesday that it will move its Headquarters to Rwanda as it seeks to get closer to its African market.
The decision that was revealed at the UK-Rwanda Business Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, the firm says it underscores Bboxx’s commitment to Africa to serve, innovate, and grow in the “heart of the continent”.
The British company is planning to train nearly 1000 more Rwandans in the next 5 years and invest USD$100 million in the country.
The announcement coincides with an ambitious new year as the Company’s impact is set to expand tenfold – with an aim of reaching 36 million people by 2028 – thanks to a USD$100 million partnership with Kuwaiti investment company EnerTech, announced in December 2023, stated the firm in a press release.
Bboxx adds, it has grown significantly since it first began tackling the challenge of energy poverty in Africa. The Company was founded in 2010 by three friends who graduated from Imperial College and established its first on-the-ground operations in Rwanda.
In the 13 years since, Bboxx has expanded into 11 African markets – including providing electricity to more than 10 per cent of Rwanda’s households – and has broadened the range of essential products and services from solar energy to include pay-as-you go clean cooking solutions, water pumps, smartphones, and even electric vehicles.
According to Bboxx, Rwanda has modernised and transformed immeasurably over the past 20 years, making it an opportune place for the Company to base itself, with many business-friendly policies including the Kigali International Financial Centre and upcoming Start-up Act.
“Kigali also offers easy access to the rest of Africa thanks to Rwandair, its national carrier. By moving its HQ and managing its operations in 11 countries from Kigali, Bboxx is positioning itself at the core of Africa’s rapidly evolving energy and technology sectors, enhancing access to key markets, and reaffirming Bboxx’s commitment to long-term, sustainable growth,” the company’s new release states.
Francis Gatare, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, said: “Rwanda’s transformation into a hub for tech and innovation is no coincidence; it’s the result of deliberate policies, a conducive business environment, and our commitment to offer a competitive jurisdiction.”
Mr. Gatare added: “ Bboxx’s decision to relocate its headquarters to Kigali is a welcome decision and aligns with our efforts for Rwanda as a magnet for smart, sustainable investments. Our unique ecosystem offers a fertile ground for companies like Bboxx to innovate and expand, signaling to the world that Rwanda is open for business and ready for the future.”
Mansoor Hamayun, CEO and Co-Founder of Bboxx, said: “In our journey to revolutionise access to essential products and services across Africa, it’s only fitting that we position ourselves at the heart of the continent. This move to Kigali not only brings us closer to the communities we serve but also cements our commitment to be an Africa-first, data-driven super platform, transforming lives and unlocking potential at an unprecedented scale.”
The company says it is serving more than 3.6 million people by connecting customers to “life-changing” solutions across Africa and accelerate the economic transition.
